Fastener for childrens footwear

ABSTRACT

A fastening system for a shoe for a child includes a tongue and at least a pair of fastening arms. The tongue includes one or more features of a selected character. Each of the pair of fastening arms is configured as an appendage of the selected character and is attached to the tongue. Each fastening arm is adapted to extend though a corresponding eyelet in a body portion of the shoe and to be fastened in a manner such that the fastening arms appear to be embracing the tongue.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a U.S. non-provisional patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/740,011, filed Dec. 20, 2012, which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present invention relates generally to footwear for children, and, in particular, to footwear having fasteners for educating children about the process of putting footwear on one's feet.

2. Background

For toddlers and young children, learning to put on one's own shoes can be a daunting task. Small fingers are generally unable to manipulate shoelaces in an appropriate manner to permit the laces to be tied. Such difficulties can be compounded by the notoriously short attentions span of a young child. As a result, many toddlers and young children can become frustrated with the challenge and may give up before making any progress. Even shoes that utilize conventional fastening straps instead of shoelaces may not adequately capture and keep a child's attention long enough to learn the process of how to put on and fasten one's own shoes.

Accordingly, a need exists for footwear that includes a simple and straight-forward fastening system that teaches children how to put on and fasten their own shoes. Furthermore, a need exists for a footwear fastening system that is fun for toddlers and young children to implement, thereby encouraging them to learn and remember how to put on and fasten their own shoes.

These, and other needs, are addressed by one or more aspects of the present invention.

SUMMARY

Broadly defined, the present invention according to a first aspect includes a fastening system for a shoe for a child. The fastening system includes a tongue and at least a pair of fastening arms. The tongue includes one or more features of a selected character. Each of the pair of fastening arms is configured as an appendage of the selected character and is attached to the tongue at opposite sides thereof. Each fastening arm is adapted to extend though a corresponding eyelet in a body portion of the shoe and to be fastened in a manner such that the fastening arms appear to be embracing the tongue.

In features of this aspect, the one or more features may include a face of the selected character; the fastening arms may be adapted to be fastened with hook and loop fasteners; the fastening arms may be configured as arms of the selected character; the fastening arms may be configured as legs of the selected character; and/or the tongue may include a moisture wicking material for added breathability.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to a second aspect includes a fastening system for a shoe for a child, substantially as shown and described.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to a third aspect includes a shoe for a child. The shoe includes a shoe body, a tongue, and at least a pair of fastening arms. The tongue is attached at its base to the shoe body and includes one or more features of a selected character. Each of the pair of fastening arms is configured as an appendage of the selected character and is attached to the tongue at opposite sides thereof. Each fastening arm is adapted to extend though a corresponding eyelet in the shoe body and to be fastened in a manner such that the fastening arms appear to be embracing the tongue.

In features of this aspect, the one or more features may include a face of the selected character; the fastening arms may be adapted to be fastened with hook and loop fasteners; the fastening arms may be configured as arms of the selected character; the fastening arms may be configured as legs of the selected character; the tongue may include a moisture wicking material for added breathability; and/or the shoe may further include a tail of the selected character as part of a sole of the shoe.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to a fourth aspect includes a shoe for a child, substantially as shown and described.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to a fifth aspect includes a pair of shoes for a child, substantially as shown and described.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to a sixth aspect includes a shoe for a child, the shoe having a fastener substantially shown and described.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to a seventh aspect includes a method of fastening a shoe on a child's foot. The method includes: providing a shoe having a shoe body and a tongue attached at its base to the shoe body, the tongue including one or more features of a selected character; placing the shoe body around a child's foot; positioning a first fastening arm, configured as an appendage of the selected character and attached at a side of the tongue, through a first eyelet at a side of the shoe body and across at least a portion of the tongue; fastening the first fastening arm to at least one of the tongue and the shoe body; arranging a second fastening arm, configured as an appendage of the selected character and attached at an opposite side of the tongue, through a second eyelet at an opposite side of the shoe body and across at least a portion of the tongue; and fastening the second fastening arm to the first fastening arm.

In features of this aspect, the one or more features may include a face of the selected character; the first and second fastening arms may be fastened with hook and loop fasteners; the first and second fastening arms may be configured as arms of the selected character; and/or the first and second fastening arms may be configured as legs of the selected character.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to an eighth aspect includes a method of fastening a shoe on a child's foot, substantially as shown and described.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to a ninth aspect includes a fastening system for a shoe for a child. The fastening system includes a tongue including one or more features of a selected character and at least a pair of fastening arms. Each fastening arm is configured as an appendage of the selected character and is attached to the tongue. Each fastening arm is adapted to extend though a corresponding eyelet in a body portion of the shoe and to be fastened in a manner such that the fastening arms appear to be embracing the tongue.

In features of this aspect, the one or more features may include a face of the selected character; the fastening arms may be adapted to be fastened with hook and loop fasteners; the fastening arms may be configured as arms of the selected character; the fastening arms may be configured as legs of the selected character.; the tongue may include a moisture wicking material for added breathability; and/or the fastening arms may be attached to opposite sides of the tongue.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to a tenth aspect includes a shoe for a child. The shoe includes a shoe body, a tongue attached at its base to the shoe body, and at least a pair of fastening arms. The tongue includes one or more features of a selected character. Each fastening arm is configured as an appendage of the selected character and is attached to the tongue. Each fastening arm is adapted to extend though a corresponding eyelet in the shoe body and to be fastened in a manner such that the fastening arms appear to be embracing the tongue.

In features of this aspect, the one or more features may include a face of the selected character; the fastening arms may be adapted to be fastened with hook and loop fasteners; the fastening arms may be configured as arms of the selected character; the fastening arms may be configured as legs of the selected character; the tongue may include a moisture wicking material for added breathability; the shoe may further include a tail of the selected character as part of a sole of the shoe; the fastening arms may be attached to opposite sides of the tongue; the fastening arms may be aligned with one another such that one of the fastening arms is fastenable over another of the fastening arms; and/or at least one of the fastening arms may be elastic.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to an eleventh tenth aspect includes a method of fastening a shoe on a child's foot. The method includes: providing a shoe having a shoe body and a tongue attached at its base to the shoe body, the tongue including one or more features of a selected character; placing the shoe body around a child's foot; positioning a first fastening arm, configured as an appendage of the selected character and attached to the tongue, through a first eyelet in the shoe body and across at least a portion of the tongue; fastening the first fastening arm to at least one of the tongue and the shoe body; positioning a second fastening arm, configured as an appendage of the selected character and attached to the tongue, through a second eyelet in the shoe body and across at least a portion of the tongue; and fastening the second fastening arm to at least one of the tongue, the shoe body, and the first fastening arm.

In features of this aspect, the one or more features may include a face of the selected character; the first and second fastening arms may be fastened with hook and loop fasteners; the first and second fastening arms may be configured as arms of the selected character; the first and second fastening arms may be configured as legs of the selected character; the fastening arms may be attached to opposite sides of the tongue; and/or fastening of the second fastening arm may include aligning the second fastening arm with the first fastening arm so as to engage over the top thereof.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features, embodiments, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top view of a children's shoe fitted with a fastening system in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the shoe of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the shoe of FIG. 1, depicting the fastening system in a partially fastened configuration;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the shoe of FIG. 1, depicting the fastening system in a fastened configuration;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the shoe of FIG. 1, depicting the fastening system in an unfastened configuration; and

FIG. 6 is a side view of the shoe of FIG. 1, depicting the fastening system in a fastened configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the present invention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the appended claims rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having at least one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” In contrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes “a picnic basket having only one apple.”

When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese without crackers,” “a picnic basket having crackers without cheese,” and “a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well as describes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese.”

Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent like components throughout the several views, the preferred embodiments of the present invention are next described. The following description of one or more preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

FIG. 1 is a top view of a shoe 10 for a child that is fitted with a fastening system 20 in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the shoe 10 includes a fastening system 20 for tightening and fastening the shoe around the wearer's foot. The fastening system 20 includes a tongue 22 anchored at its base to a vamp portion 30 of the shoe 10. The fastening system 20 further includes a plurality of fastening arms 24,26 attached at and extending away from opposite sides of the tongue 22.

The tongue 22 is adapted to include features of a selected character popular to or easily recognizable by infants, toddlers or young children. In a contemplated embodiment, the tongue 22 at least includes a character's head or face 32, which can be arranged at or near the top of the tongue 22. With this configuration, the character's head or face 32 can be readily seen by the wearer when the shoe is worn. The character's head or face 32 may include a wide range of additional features, such as eyes, ears, nose, mouth, or other facial features.

It is further contemplated that the tongue 22 may include additional features inherent to the selected character. For instance, the tongue 22 may include the character's torso or a tail. Additionally, the color of the material that covers the tongue 22 or other parts of the shoe 10 can be matched with the color scheme of the selected character. FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the shoe 10 of FIG. 1. As can be seen in FIG. 2, it is further contemplated that the sole 34 of the shoe 10 may be configured to include the tail 36 of the selected character as part of the sole 34.

The fastening arms 24,26 are each configured to appear as appendages of the selected character. Depending on the identity of the selected character, the fastening arms 24,26 can be configured to appear as arms, legs, or any of a range of other types of character appendages. The fastening arms 24,26 can further include hands, feet or paws 25,27 at distal ends thereof.

The selected character can be any of a wide range of different characters. For instance, the selected character can be a well-known character from a television program or movie popular to infants, toddlers or young children. In one contemplated embodiment, the selected character is a character from the popular children's television program SESAME STREET®. In other contemplated embodiments, the selected character is an animal, bird or insect that might be popular to or recognizable by infants, toddlers or young children. In still other contemplated embodiments, the selected character is an animated character from a cartoon.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the shoe 10 of FIG. 1, depicting the fastening system 20 in a partially fastened configuration, and FIG. 4 is a top view of the shoe 10 of FIG. 1, depicting the fastening system 20 in a fastened configuration. As can be seen in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the shoe 10 includes VELCRO® fasteners to facilitate fastening of the fastening arms 24,26. In particular, the shoe 10 includes hook fasteners 44,46 arranged on the tongue 22 and adjacent to the tongue 22 on the body of the shoe 10. Additionally, loop fasteners 40,42 are arranged on interior faces of the fastening arms 24,26, and hook fasteners 38 are arranged on an exterior face of at least one of the fastening arms 24. The arrangement and locations of the hook and loop fasteners is not limited to that which is shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, as it is contemplated that the hook and loop fasteners can be arranged in other locations on the shoe 10, the tongue 22, or the fastening arms 24,26. Furthermore, it is also contemplated that the arrangement of the hook and loop fasteners can be reversed such that hook fasteners are located where the loop fasteners are shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, and vice versa. Though hook and loop fasteners are depicted in the accompanying drawings, it is contemplated that a wide range of different fastening mechanisms can be implemented to fasten the shoe 10.

In a method of fastening the shoe 10, the shoe 10 is placed around a child's foot. A first fastening arm 24 is extended through an eyelet 28 in the body of the shoe 10, as can perhaps best be seen in FIG. 3. Once through the eyelet 28, the first fastening arm 24 is folded back to extend across the tongue 22. In this manner, the loop fasteners 40 at the interior face of the first fastening arm 24 engage the hook fasteners 44,46 on the tongue 22 and adjacent to the tongue 22 on the body of the shoe 10. The first fastening arm is positioned across the tongue 22 in such a way that the character's head or face 32 remains visible. The second fastening arm 26 is extended through an eyelet 29 in the body of the shoe 10, as can perhaps best be seen in FIG. 4. Once through the eyelet 29, the second fastening arm 26 is folded back to extend across the tongue 22 to rest substantially against the first fastening arm 24. In this manner, the loop fasteners 42 at the interior face of the second fastening arm 26 engage the hook fasteners 38 on the exterior face of the first fastening arm 24. As with the first fastening arm 24, the second fastening arm 26 is positioned across the tongue 22 in such a way that the character's head or face 32 remains visible.

When fastened, the first and second fastening arms 24,26 are substantially aligned with one another and are adapted to snugly retain the shoe 10 on the child's foot. With the character's head or face 32 visible above the pair of fastening arms 24,26, the fastened shoe 10 has the appearance of the selected character hugging or embracing the tongue 22 of the shoe 10. Furthermore, when unfastened (as perhaps best seen in FIG. 1), the first and second fastening arms 24,26 are extended outwardly away from the shoe 10, thereby providing the appearance of the selected character longing for or seeking a hug or embrace. In this manner, a child can be taught, in a fun and entertaining manner, how to put on and fasten their own shoes. The child can receive positive reinforcement and encouragement when he or she accomplishes the objective of helping the selected character hug or embrace the tongue 22 of the shoe 10 during the fastening process. The process of fastening the shoe 10 can also facilitate and reinforce early muscle memory in the child, thereby readying the child for fastening other types of shoes later in life, including shoes that have conventional shoelaces.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the shoe 10 of FIG. 1, depicting the fastening system 20 in an unfastened configuration, and FIG. 6 is a side view of the shoe 10 of FIG. 1, depicting the fastening system 20 in a fastened configuration. As can be seen in FIG. 5, the shoe 10 is adapted to be loose-fitting when in an unfastened configuration. In this manner, the shoe 10 can be easily slid around a child's foot. The fastening arms 24,26 can be configured to include elastic features to provide elasticity when the shoe 10 is loosened or tightened around the foot of a child. As can be seen in FIG. 6, the shoe 10 is adapted to fit snugly around the foot of a child when in a fastened configuration. By extending the fastening arms 24,26 through corresponding eyelets, the fastening system 20 helps to maintain all components of the shoe close together. The fastening arms 24,26 help to retain the shoe 10 on the child's foot, thereby reducing the risk that the shoe becomes loose inadvertently or the risk that the child might trip and fall due to a loose fastening arm 24,26.

Though the contemplated embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-6 includes a pair of fastening arms 24,26, it is also contemplated that multiple pairs of fastening arms can be implemented to fasten the shoe. For instance, if the selected character inherently includes multiple appendages, such as a caterpillar, then the shoe may be fitted with multiple pairs of fastening arms to better resemble a caterpillar. In another contemplated embodiment, the fastening arms can be arranged in parallel relationship with one another (rather than being aligned with one another such that one fastening arms fastens over the top of another). When arranged in parallel, one fastening arm engages over the tongue relatively close to the character's head or face, and another fastening arm engages over the tongue beneath the first fastening arm and closer to the vamp portion of the shoe. In other contemplated embodiments, the fastening arms can be arranged to extend from the same side of the tongue of the shoe.

The shoe 10 may also be configured to include features that facilitate added breathability. For instance, the tongue 22 may include a moisture wicking material or a mesh material to facilitate such added breathability. In one contemplated embodiment, the tummy or torso area of the selected character may include a moisture wicking material or a mesh material.

It is further contemplated that a shoe 10 having a fastening system 20 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention can be packaged and sold with another similar shoe as a matched pair.

Based on the foregoing information, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements; the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof. 

1. A fastening system for a shoe for a child, the fastening system comprising: a tongue including one or more features of a selected character; and at least a pair of fastening arms, each configured as an appendage of the selected character and attached to the tongue; wherein each fastening arm is adapted to extend though a corresponding eyelet in a body portion of the shoe and to be fastened in a manner such that the fastening arms appear to be embracing the tongue.
 2. The fastening system of claim 1, wherein the one or more features includes a face of the selected character.
 3. The fastening system of claim 1, wherein the fastening arms are adapted to be fastened with hook and loop fasteners.
 4. The fastening system of claim 1, wherein the fastening arms are configured as arms of the selected character.
 5. The fastening system of claim 1, wherein the fastening arms are configured as legs of the selected character.
 6. The fastening system of claim 1, wherein the tongue includes a moisture wicking material for added breathability.
 7. The fastening system of claim 1, wherein the fastening arms are attached to opposite sides of the tongue.
 8. A shoe for a child, comprising: a shoe body; a tongue attached at its base to the shoe body, the tongue including one or more features of a selected character; and at least a pair of fastening arms, each configured as an appendage of the selected character and attached to the tongue; wherein each fastening arm is adapted to extend though a corresponding eyelet in the shoe body and to be fastened in a manner such that the fastening arms appear to be embracing the tongue.
 9. The shoe of claim 8, wherein the one or more features includes a face of the selected character.
 10. The shoe of claim 8, wherein the fastening arms are adapted to be fastened with hook and loop fasteners.
 11. The shoe of claim 8, wherein the fastening arms are configured as arms of the selected character.
 12. The shoe of claim 8, wherein the fastening arms are configured as legs of the selected character.
 13. The shoe of claim 8, wherein the tongue includes a moisture wicking material for added breathability.
 14. The shoe of claim 8, further comprising a tail of the selected character as part of a sole of the shoe.
 15. The shoe of claim 8, wherein the fastening arms are attached to opposite sides of the tongue.
 16. The shoe of claim 8, wherein the fastening arms are aligned with one another such that one of the fastening arms is fastenable over another of the fastening arms.
 17. The shoe of claim 8, wherein at least one of the fastening arms is elastic.
 18. A method of fastening a shoe on a child's foot, the method comprising: providing a shoe having a shoe body and a tongue attached at its base to the shoe body, the tongue including one or more features of a selected character; placing the shoe body around a child's foot; positioning a first fastening arm, configured as an appendage of the selected character and attached to the tongue, through a first eyelet in the shoe body and across at least a portion of the tongue; fastening the first fastening arm to at least one of the tongue and the shoe body; positioning a second fastening arm, configured as an appendage of the selected character and attached to the tongue, through a second eyelet in the shoe body and across at least a portion of the tongue; and fastening the second fastening arm to at least one of the tongue, the shoe body, and the first fastening arm.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the one or more features includes a face of the selected character.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the first and second fastening arms are fastened with hook and loop fasteners. 21.-24. (canceled) 